Netflix to launch cheaper, ad-supported plan soon

Washington [US], July 20: Variety has reported that Netflix is hoping to attract a new group of price-conscious customers and turn around its sliding membership numbers with a new ad-supported streaming bundle scheduled to launch in early 2023.

So does that mean Netflix will become cheaper? Yes, only if you are ready to watch your favourite shows with advertisements. While announcing Q2 earnings, the OTT giant stated that it plans to introduce the ad-supported plan "around the early part of 2023." Variety quoted them saying, "We'll likely start in a handful of markets where advertising spending is significant," Netflix said in its Q2 letter to shareholders. "Like most of our new initiatives, our intention is to roll it out, listen and learn, and iterate quickly to improve the offering. So, our advertising business in a few years will likely look quite different than what it looks like on day one." Although Netflix has not revealed pricing for the ad-supported plan, it's expected to be less than the streamer's most popular plan without any commercials. Variety quoted Netflix COO and chief product officer Greg Peters said that "Netflix believes the per-subscriber economics on the ad-supported plan will be "neutral" with or better than what it sees with traditional subscribers." He also confirmed that initially Netflix ads will be sold exclusively by Microsoft. Variety reported that in the Q2 letter, Netflix said that Microsoft is "investing heavily to expand their multibillion [dollar] advertising business into premium television video, and we are thrilled to be working with such a strong global partner. We're excited by the opportunity given the combination of our very engaged audience and high-quality content, which we think will attract premium CPMs [cost per thousand impressions] from brand advertisers." "Our lower-priced advertising-supported offering will complement our existing plans, which will remain ad-free," the company said in the letter. Worldwide, Netflix's average revenue per member (ARM) has grown at a 5% compound annual rate from 2013 to 2021, "so it makes sense now to give consumers a choice for a lower-priced option with advertisements if they desire it," added the streamer.

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'How to build a sex room': Netflix's new series is about sexual desire among couples

Mumbai [India], July 13: Netflix's new original reality show 'How to build a sex room', features luxury interior designer Melanie Rose, who helps young couples intensify their intimate moments by designing their bedrooms as per their sexual desires.

In the eight-episode-long season, Melanie interviews different couples at their house about their sensual fantasies and desires, to add flavour to their relationships.

From sex-toy collections to beautiful pillows, flower petals and soft blankets, the luxury designer takes care of every little detail of the couple to match their sexual and erotic tastes.

In the first episode, the designer met with Raj and Ryan, a young married couple with completely opposite sexual preferences, where Raj, a signer, described her sexual preference as sensual, meanwhile her husband Ryan, describes himself to be more logical and technical. The couple told her that the best time they found to get intimate is during vacations, as the beautiful classy suites add up some spice to their romance and escape the ordinary.

Melanie designed an 'L' shaped room layout for the couple, with a luxurious vibe, that includes both Raj's sensual tastes and Ryan's lounging and techie preference. From expensive fabric faux fur with rose petals and pillows to large music speakers and television, she took care of every small aspect of the couple to fulfil their desires.

Melanie has been designing sexual rooms for couples for the past 15 years and the show proves that such places need not be dirty and disgusting, but can actually be romantic, beautiful and luxurious. The eight-episode long show is currently streaming on Netflix and gathered positive feedback from the netizens, as it is the first time in memory, which deals with such a topic.

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Gap Inc. invests 1 million dollars in in Allyson Felix’s Saysh footwear brand 'Saysh'

San Francisco (California) [US], June 19: Gap Inc and Athleta have invested 1 million dollars in Saysh, a footwear branded founded by Olympic medallist Allyson Felix and brother Wes Felix.

Swati Bhat

Pic Courtesy: Saysh Official

Felix reportedly was unable to find the perfect sneaker whilst preparing for the Tokyo Olympics last year, prompting her to set up Saysh, a shoe brand by women, for women, focused on community building.

In a Series A funding round the company secured 8 million dollars in investment. Felix previously collaborated with Athleta when she was contracted as the brand’s first athlete partner in 2019. At the time Felix ended a partnership with Nike, calling out the sporting giant for not being supportive of new mothers in an op-ed in the New York Times.

As part of the investment, Gap Inc. has taken a 2 percent equity stake in Saysh, according to a company spokeswoman. In addition, Athleta, a 220-unit operation, has a partnership to sell Saysh footwear via its site.

Saysh will use the investment to focus on its e-commerce, wholesale distribution and community-based retail, reported WWD, in addition to expanding its product categories and launch activity-specific sneaker styles.

Felix parted ways with her former sponsor Nike several years ago and published a New York Times op-ed in 2019 that called out the activewear giant for not being supportive of new mothers. In competition and through her own business, Felix, who has two children, is committed to supporting women and their families.

Last year Felix and Athleta also joined forces to kick off “The Power of She Fund: Child Care Grants.” That initiative earmarked $200,000 to help professional female athletes with children finance their travels for competitions. Six mothers, who competed in the Tokyo Summer Olympics, were among the beneficiaries of that monetary commitment. During those Summer Games, Felix, who is now the most decorated U.S. Olympic track athlete, wore Athleta apparel and Saysh spikes.

Saysh was started by Felix with her brother Wes, who serves as chief executive officer. The company will use the funding to amp up its branded e-commerce, wholesale distribution and community-based retail — an area that the founders are looking to build up. The $8 million investment will also be used to expand its product range and to introduce activity-specific sneaker styles.

Springbank Collective was an additional early-stage investor that recruited a group of angel investors through a Special Purpose Vehicle, according to information provided by Saysh. The New York Road Runners Club’s CEO Kerin Hempel, The Black Doula’s Sabia Wade and gender and policy expert Anne-Marie Slaughter were participants. Felix shares the collective’s mission to support working women and their families.

Athelta’s investment was brokered by Gap’s Strategic Growth Office, the unit that is on the lookout for opportunities to increase growth and fast-track capabilities across its portfolio of brands.

Venture capital firm Redpoint has previously invested in Netflix, Sonos and other companies.

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